Volumio Goes Hardware

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matthias
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Volumio Goes Hardware

Post by matthias »

New Volumio streamer:

https://volumio.org/volumio-primo-first ... t-on-sale/

https://volumio.org/primo/

It uses an ASUS Tinkerboard S, I am curious how it is performing.

Matt
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nhojsllih
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Re: Volumio Goes Hardware

Post by nhojsllih »

Hi Matt,

I have just received my Primo and am running it in. I was curious as to how it would perform and am pleased to say that it sounds good. I have a Linn ADS1 so am comparing it with this. I have been playing tracks with the ADS1 running without Space Optimisation, so as to be a fair comparison. Both streamer are connected via Analogue to the Pre-amp,
The Primo sounds a little bit louder, perhaps a little more up front than the ADS. It is detailed, but not at the expense of musicality. Bass is perhaps a little better defined - easier to follow on the Primo. Vocals are very engaging on this streamer too.
It is early days, but the Primo is so far acquitting itself very well. The rest of my system is Linn Kinos, Lejonklou Tundra 1.2 & Q-Acoustics Concept 500.
Linn ADSM3 - Lejonklou Tundra 1.2 - Q-Acoustics Concept 500
Paaf
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Re: Volumio Goes Hardware

Post by Paaf »

The €400 streamer beats the €7000 streamer on the very specific selling point of the expensive one (tunefulness)? It's quite remarkable!
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nhojsllih
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Re: Volumio Goes Hardware

Post by nhojsllih »

I am not saying this beats the ADS. It sounds very good, surprisingly good given its price and simplicity.
That said, it has packed up this afternoon whilst midway installing a plugin! I have emailed to ask how to re-boot it via the micro SD card supplied...

Now I am again listening to the ADS and have my SO setting on. The music is flowing beautifully and is more refined than on the Volumio for sure.
Of course, the ADS1 has a DAC from 2010 on board and the Volumio has a very late spec one.
I have yet to hear the ADS with the latest Katalyst DAC.
Linn ADSM3 - Lejonklou Tundra 1.2 - Q-Acoustics Concept 500
Paaf
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Re: Volumio Goes Hardware

Post by Paaf »

That said, it has packed up this afternoon whilst midway installing a plugin! I have emailed to ask how to re-boot it via the micro SD card supplied...
Unreliable software. :(
Of course, the ADS1 has a DAC from 2010 on board and the Volumio has a very late spec one.
Sometimes more modern DACs make a mess of the music, so... *shrugs*
matthias
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Re: Volumio Goes Hardware

Post by matthias »

Thanks guys for your feedback and a blessed 2019!

I think most interesting is to know how good the streaming section of the Primo is.
The inbuilt DAC seems to be an additional feature for entry level systems.
There are some other manufacturers like Pink Faun in the NL who use the Tinkerboard for their new steamers.
Maybe someone can compare Primo+ESI DAC vs. HAKAI+ESI DAC?
The icing on the cake would be with clips.......
Thanks again

Matt
Matt

MBP / Exposure pre + power (both modified) / JBL3677
matthias
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Re: Volumio Goes Hardware

Post by matthias »

nhojsllih wrote: 2019-01-02 19:32 The music is flowing beautifully and is more refined than on the Volumio for sure.
You can try to use a better power supply like this one with Primo and compare again to ADS:

http://www.faradpowersupplies.com

Matt
Matt

MBP / Exposure pre + power (both modified) / JBL3677
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